Idol Hands

Product Notes

Los Rauncheros, long known as Houston's premier surf/psycho-delic/sixties/garage band, has finally done it. In a psychotic, yet inspired, episode of musical chaos, Los Rauncheros has given birth to the mad, mute, monkey love child of Dick Dale and Jim Morrison. The name of their new creation is 'Idol Hands' - a CD dedicated to the crashing reverb-drenched sounds of the instrumental surf invasion - an homage to the all-instrumental surf sound that ruled the waves before Los Beatles hit the shores. REVIEW BY PHIL DIRT OF KFJC-FM AND REVERB CENTRAL: ['Idol Hands'] is a seven song set with only two originals, but the classics are remade into the signature sound of Los Rauncheros, which is slightly slower and large. 'Surfsonica' is a song with extensive whammy action that warbles and calls to you. With the intensity of Texas surf (which it is), the song also sports some very delicate playing. Drama and a heavy wash of sound, juxtaposed to light haunting passages with whammy galore. Jerry Lordan often covered 'Apache' is delivered in a heavy handed style, unlike many-most covers. It retains the fluidity of the song, but also employs a strength not often heard. The album's title track ['Idol Hands'] is a grand exploration in rhythm and sci-fi. Not the quirky kind, but the haunted unnatural kind. Tribal, moody, dissonant, and spooky. A fine instro. Unlike the Ventures and virtually all covers of this song, Los Rauncheros give 'Diamond Head' edge without missing the point in the process. It's slower and more deliberate. 'Mr. Moto' is done in a more deliberate fashion that gives it a rock anthem feel. More drama and intensity. Quite a nice change. Thick without being un-surf, 'Surf Rider' flows like a dangerous river rather than rolling like a huge swell. Nicely rearranged without doing serious surgery. ['Miserlou' is m]edium-fast, kind of like a cross between the Guitar Ramblers and Dick Dale on a lazy afternoon. It's an interesting combination that renders it fresh and appealing. Phil Dirt of KFJC-FM, Los Altos Hills, California, and Reverb Central (www.reverbcentral.com)

Credits

Los Rauncheros, long known as Houston's premier surf/psycho-delic/sixties/garage band, has finally done it. In a psychotic, yet inspired, episode of musical chaos, Los Rauncheros has given birth to the mad, mute, monkey love child of Dick Dale and Jim Morrison. The name of their new creation is 'Idol Hands' - a CD dedicated to the crashing reverb-drenched sounds of the instrumental surf invasion - an homage to the all-instrumental surf sound that ruled the waves before Los Beatles hit the shores. REVIEW BY PHIL DIRT OF KFJC-FM AND REVERB CENTRAL: ['Idol Hands'] is a seven song set with only two originals, but the classics are remade into the signature sound of Los Rauncheros, which is slightly slower and large. 'Surfsonica' is a song with extensive whammy action that warbles and calls to you. With the intensity of Texas surf (which it is), the song also sports some very delicate playing. Drama and a heavy wash of sound, juxtaposed to light haunting passages with whammy galore. Jerry Lordan often covered 'Apache' is delivered in a heavy handed style, unlike many-most covers. It retains the fluidity of the song, but also employs a strength not often heard. The album's title track ['Idol Hands'] is a grand exploration in rhythm and sci-fi. Not the quirky kind, but the haunted unnatural kind. Tribal, moody, dissonant, and spooky. A fine instro. Unlike the Ventures and virtually all covers of this song, Los Rauncheros give 'Diamond Head' edge without missing the point in the process. It's slower and more deliberate. 'Mr. Moto' is done in a more deliberate fashion that gives it a rock anthem feel. More drama and intensity. Quite a nice change. Thick without being un-surf, 'Surf Rider' flows like a dangerous river rather than rolling like a huge swell. Nicely rearranged without doing serious surgery. ['Miserlou' is m]edium-fast, kind of like a cross between the Guitar Ramblers and Dick Dale on a lazy afternoon. It's an interesting combination that renders it fresh and appealing. Phil Dirt of KFJC-FM, Los Altos Hills, California, and Reverb Central (www.reverbcentral.com)